User wearable fluorescence enabled visualization system

ABSTRACT

A user-wearable fluorescence based visualization system comprising a multi-light lamp assembly that provides for the selected output of light using multiple light emitting sources, wherein the outputted light may be tailored to generate response wavelength by the interaction of the emitted light and a tissue illuminated by the emitted light, through the process of fluorescence, and a viewing system that allows a practitioner view the fluorescent light generated by the tissue, and distinguish between healthy and diseased tissues.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims, pursuant to 35 USC 119, priority to and thebenefit of the earlier filing date of that provisional patentapplications Ser. No. 63/151,583 filed on Feb. 19, 2021 and 63/137,043filed on Jan. 13, 2021 and further claims, pursuant to 35 USC 120, as aContinuation-in-Part application to that patent application filed onDec. 26, 2020 and afforded Ser. No. 17/134,309, which claimed priority,pursuant to 35 USC 119, as a non-provisional application of that patentapplication filed on Apr. 21, 2020 and afforded Ser. No. 63/013,487, thecontents of which are incorporated by reference, herein.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the teaching of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,690,806;8,215,791; RE46463, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,791,138; 10,061,115; 10,132,483;10,215,977; 10,240,769; 10,247,384, 10,437,041 and U.S. Pat. No.10,895,735, which are assigned to the Assignee of the instantapplication, and whose contents are incorporated by reference, herein.

This application is further related to application Ser. No. 17/134,311and Ser. No. 17/134,312, whose contents are incorporated by reference,herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention is related to optical devices, and more particularly, tooptical devices for use in medical and/or dental operations.

Background Information

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), whether lasing or non-lasing, (referred toherein as LED) have found utility in the fields of surgery, medicine,and dentistry to provide illumination on the work area of the doctor,surgeon, or dentist. Specialized lighting devices have also found use indistinguishing healthy tissue from diseased tissue. For example, in thefield of dental procedures, fluorescence-based methods are often used toprovide an objective assessment of a carious process.

Fluorescence is a form of photoluminescence, which through theabsorption of light by an object, or by a tissue, etc., causes thegeneration and spontaneous emission of light of a different wavelength(i.e., autofluorescence).

In surgery and dentistry, fluorescence is known to be used todistinguish tumors from healthy cells to afford doctors and surgeonsguidance during operations to assist in the removal of tumors.

However, the devices created to assist the practitioner in the use offluorescence in dental and medical procedures are both expensive andcumbersome to use during medical and/or dental procedures. See forexample, the KINWVO 900 Robotic Visualization System with the requiredBlue400 Adapter by Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany.

Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for portable,user-wearable, devices that provide for the illumination of tissues orobjects and the subsequent visualization of differences in the tissuesamples or objects using fluorescence technology during medical and/ordental procedures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a light-weight portable device for theviewing and distinguishing of healthy tissue from diseased tissue isdisclosed.

In one aspect of the invention, a user wear-able device provides for theviewing and distinguishing of healthy tissue from diseased tissue isdisclosed.

In one aspect of the invention, a controlling mechanism for controllingthe light output suitable for distinguishing healthy tissue fromdiseased tissue is disclosed.

In one aspect of the invention, a user wear-able device suitable for usein the dental arts to distinguish healthy tissue in a patient's mouthfrom diseased tissue, such as cavities is disclosed.

In one aspect of the invention, a user wear-able device suitable for usein the medical arts, such as surgery, to distinguish healthy tissue fromdiseased tissue is disclosed.

In accordance with the principles of the invention, a multi-light lampassembly is disclosed that provides for the selected output of lightusing multiple light emitting sources, wherein the outputted light maybe tailored to generate an expected response wavelength that allows apractitioner to distinguish between healthy and diseased tissues.Further disclosed is a viewing device, such as an eyewear, that includesa plurality of filters that are formulated to selectively prevent theability to view the light transmitted by the light assembly whileallowing a desired wavelength of light to be viewed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages, nature, and various additional features of the inventionwill appear more fully upon consideration of the illustrativeembodiments described in detail in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, where like or similar reference numerals are used to identifylike or similar elements throughout the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment ofa light assembly suitable for use in a visualization system inaccordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a frontal view of the first exemplary embodiment ofthe light assembly shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 2B illustrates a frontal view of a second exemplary embodiment of alight assembly suitable for use in a visualization system in accordancewith the principles of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the first exemplary embodiment of thelight assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded perspective view of the first exemplaryembodiment of the light assembly shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded perspective view of a first exemplarylighting element in accordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 4C illustrates an exploded perspective view of a second exemplarylighting element in accordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first exemplaryembodiment of the lighting element shown in FIG. 4A in accordance withthe principles of the invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second exemplaryembodiment of the lighting element shown in FIG. 4B in accordance withthe principles of the invention.

FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of a first exemplary lighting source inaccordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 5D illustrates a side view of a second exemplary lighting source inaccordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary eyewear devicesuitable for use in a user wearable visualization system disclosed,herein.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate cross-sectional views of the exemplaryconfigurations of the exemplary magnification device shown in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 7C illustrates a graph of an exemplary light emission and filteringcapability of a visualization system, in accordance with the principlesof the invention.

FIG. 7D illustrates a graph of an exemplary light emission and filteringcapability of a visualization system in accordance with another aspectof the invention.

FIG. 7E illustrates a graph of an exemplary light emission and filteringcapability of a visualization system in accordance with still anotheraspect of the invention.

FIG. 7F illustrates a graph of an exemplary light emission and filteringcapability of a visualization system in accordance with another aspectof the invention.

FIG. 7G illustrates a graph of an exemplary light emission and filteringcapability of a visualization system in accordance with another aspectof the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of avisualization system in accordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment ofa lighting assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 10A illustrates a cross sectional view of a first aspect of a thirdexemplary embodiment of a lighting element in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 10B illustrates a cross sectional view of a second aspect of thethird exemplary embodiment of a lighting element in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 11A illustrates a cross sectional view of a first aspect of afourth exemplary embodiment of a lighting element in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 11B illustrates a cross sectional view of a second aspect of afourth exemplary embodiment of a lighting element in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 12A illustrates a cross sectional view of a first aspect of a fifthexemplary embodiment of a lighting element in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 12B illustrates a cross sectional view of a second aspect of afourth exemplary embodiment of a lighting element in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary state diagram for processing associatedwith the control of a light assembly in accordance with the principlesof the invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a second exemplary state diagram for processingassociated with the control of a light assembly in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

It is to be understood that the figures, which are not drawn to scale,and descriptions of the present invention described herein have beensimplified to illustrate the elements that are relevant for a clearunderstanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposesof clarity, many other elements. However, because these omitted elementsare well-known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a betterunderstanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elementsare not provided herein. The disclosure, herein, is directed also tovariations and modifications known to those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”,“including”, “has”, “having”, or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process,method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. In addition, unless expressly stated to thecontrary, the term “of’ refers to an inclusive “or” and not to anexclusive “or”. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any oneof the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or notpresent); A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present); andboth A and B are true (or present).

The terms “a” or “an” as used herein are to describe elements andcomponents of the invention. This is done for convenience to the readerand to provide a general sense of the invention. The use of these termsin the description, herein, should be read and understood to include oneor at least one. In addition, the singular also includes the pluralunless indicated to the contrary. For example, reference to acomposition containing “a compound” includes one or more compounds. Asused in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” isgenerally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise.

All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term“about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generallyrefers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would considerequivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function orresult). In any instances, the terms “about” may include numbers thatare rounded (or lowered) to the nearest significant figure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment ofa light assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention

In this first exemplary embodiment of a light assembly, light assembly110 is shown suspended from a head band or head strap 100, wherein lightassembly 110 includes a plurality of lighting elements 112, 114, 116,concentrically positioned about central (or center) axis 120 extendingsubstantially perpendicular to a plane of light assembly 110. Lightingelements 112, 114, 116 are further illustrated as being oriented at anangle with respect to central axis 120, wherein an angle of orientationof each of lighting elements 112, 114, 116 is such that the lightemitted along an optical axis, represented as dashed lines 122, 124 and126, of corresponding ones of lighting elements 112, 114, 116,respectively, converge on a same point 130 (i.e., a viewing point) alongcentral axis 120 at a known distance from light assembly 110.

Lighting elements 112, 114, 116 may be configured to output acorresponding light independently of each other or in combination withone or more of the other lighting elements 112, 114, 116. The lightoutputted from lighting elements 112, 114, 116, may, thus, be mixedtogether at the point of convergence 130 along central axis 120. Or maybe individually outputted such that light from one lighting element ispresented at point of convergence 130.

The light outputted by lighting elements 112, 114, 116 may, for example,be one of a white light, a near field ultra-violet light, or a visiblelight in one or more visible light color bands. For example, lightingelements 112, 114, 116 may emit light in an ultra-violet wavelengthrange of about 10 to about 400 nanometer (nm). Or may emit light in oneor more of a visible color light range. For example, in one or morespecific color wavelength ranges (e.g., violet—380-435 nm; blue—435-495nm; cyan—495-520; green—420-570 nm; yellow—570-590 nm; orange—590-620 nmand red—620-750 nm). In addition, the light emitted by the lightingelements 112, 114, 116 may emit light in the near infra-red and/orinfra-red wavelength range 700 nm to 1 millimeter (mm). Or anycombination of the above referred to colored wavelength ranges. Or mayemit light as a white light (i.e., 380-750 nm).

Although specific wavelength ranges are discussed above, it would berecognized that the wavelength ranges are merely representative asdifferent sources may quote different specific values for the disclosedwavelength ranges.

In addition, the blue light wavelength range may further be consideredto comprise the violet wavelength range. For the purposes of thisdisclosure the term blue light will include the ultra-violet, violet,blue and cyan wavelength ranges.

FIG. 2A illustrates a frontal view of the first exemplary embodiment ofthe light assembly 110 shown in FIG. 1 .

In this illustrated frontal view, lighting elements 112, 114, 116 areshown concentrically oriented about central axis 120 (not shown) atapproximately one-hundred twenty (120) degrees apart from each other.However, it would be understood that the orientation of lightingelements 112-116 with respect to each other about central axis 120 maybe determined based on a number of lighting elements. That is, if thenumber of lighting elements is increased to four (4), for example, itwould be recognized that the orientation of the four lighting elementswould be approximately ninety (90) degrees apart.

Further shown are lighting sources 112 a, 114 a,116 a, withincorresponding ones of lighting elements 112, 114, 116. Lighting sources112 a, 114 a, 116 a may preferably be one of a semi-conductor lasingdiode or a semi-conductor non-lasing (e.g., super luminescent) diode.

Although, lighting sources 112 a, 114 a and 116 a are referred to alight emitting diodes (LED) that may be one of a lasing type lightemitting diode or of a non-lasing type light emitting diode, other typesof lighting sources have been considered and would be within the scopeof the claims presented, herewith.

In addition, although described herein as the term lighting emittingdiodes or “LED”, it would be understood that the term “LED,” maycomprise a plurality of LEDs arranged in a pattern (e.g., a matrix,circular). Hence, the use of the term “LED,” refers to at least one LED.

Lighting sources 112 a, 114 a, 116 a, may be selected to generate andtransmit (or emit) light in at least one of the aforementionedwavelength ranges.

FIG. 2B illustrates a frontal view of a second exemplary embodiment of alight assembly 110-1 in accordance with the principles of the invention.

In this second exemplary embodiment lighting assembly 110-1 compriseslighting elements 112, 114, 116, which are similar to those describedwith regard to FIG. 1 and are oriented linearly along a horizontal line(or a vertical line or a diagonal line, not shown) with respect to theillustrated headset 100. In this second exemplary embodiment, a firstlighting element (e.g., 114), may be positioned along central axis 120(which is not shown but would be understood as projecting substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of the light assembly 110-1), whereas theremaining lighting elements (e.g., 112, and 116) may be positioned onopposite sides of the centered lighting element 114. In this case, theoff-central axis lighting elements (e.g., 112 and 116) may be orientedsuch that the light generated and emitted by lighting elements 112 and116 converge on a same point (i.e., point 130) along central axis 120,similar to the manner discussed with regard to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the first exemplary embodiment of thelight assembly shown in FIG. 2A.

In this illustrated aspect, light emitted or outputted by theoff-central axis lighting elements 112, 114, 116 are shown by dashedlines 122, 124, (126 not shown) converging on a same point 130 alongcentral axis 120 as the lighting sources 112 a, 114 a, 116 a ofoff-central axis lighting elements 112, 114, 116, respectively, areoriented to project their outputted light toward the viewing point 130.

In addition, light assembly 110 may be retained to head strap 100 by abracket 310 that allows for the adjustment of light assembly 110 todirect light generated by the lighting elements 112, 114, 116 toward adesired viewing point. That is, the user may determine the orientationof central axis 120 and, consequently, the location of focal (orviewing) point 130.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded perspective view of the first exemplaryembodiment of light assembly shown in FIG. 2A.

In this illustrated exemplary embodiment light assembly 110 comprises ahousing 110 a and an internal chassis 110 b, wherein internal chassis110 b comprises a plurality of lighting elements 112, 114 and 116positioned on mounting plate 410. Mounting plate 410 provides for theorientation of lighting elements 112, 114, and 116 at an angle such thatthe light generated by each of the lighting elements 112, 114, 116converges at a same viewpoint 130 along central axis 120, as previouslydiscussed (see FIG. 1 ).

Mounting plate 410 may further include a printed circuit board (notshown) including electrical or electronic elements that may control theapplication of a voltage to light sources, 112 a, 114 a, 116 a,contained within corresponding ones of lighting elements 112, 114, 116.Lighting elements and lighting sources discussed in U.S. Pat. No.10,247,384, whose teachings are incorporated by reference, herein, maybe utilized for lighting elements 112, 114, 116.

In accordance with an exemplary first aspect of the invention, lightingelement 114 may generate a white light as described in U.S. Pat. No.10,247,384, wherein the light outputted or emitted by lighting elements112, 114 and 116 is transmitted as a white light.

Further illustrated are filter 412 associated with lighting element 112and filter 416 associated with lighting element 116. Filters 412 and 416are selected to limit the light emitted by lighting elements 112 and 116to known wavelength ranges.

As filters 412 and 416 remove a portion of the light generated bylighting sources 112 a and 116 a, respectively, the light outputted bylighting element 112 and 116 is, hereinafter referred to as coloredlight.

As illustrated, lighting element 114 lacks any filtering and, thus, thelight emitted may be considered a white light.

Although the invention has been described with regard to the emission ofwhite and colored light, it would be understood that the light outputdescribed, herein, is not the only emitted light configurationconsidered.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded perspective view of a first exemplarylighting element incorporated into light assemblies shown in FIGS. 2Aand 2B in accordance with the principles of the invention.

In this exemplary embodiment, which is comparable to the light assemblydisclosed in more complete detail in U.S. Pat. No. 10,247,384, lightassembly 114 comprises a housing 410 including, therein, a lightingelement 114 a (not shown) substantially centered on a printed circuitboard (not shown) that is retained within housing 410. The printedcircuit board (PCB) includes electrical/electronic circuitry thatcontrols the operation of lighting element 114 (e.g., turn on/off). Anaperture holder (or plate) 420 and aperture 430, including substantiallycentered aperture holder passthrough 425 and aperture passthrough 435,respectfully, are further illustrated. Aperture holder passthrough 425and aperture passthrough 435 are sized to provide for a reduction ofstray light emanating from the (not shown) lighting source, as isfurther discussed in the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 10,247,384.

Although aperture holder passthrough 425 and aperture passthrough 435are shown as comprising a circular form, it would be understood thataperture holder passthrough 425 and aperture passthrough 435 may be in asquare or rectangular form. In this case, the square or rectangular formmay be sized such that the die portion of a semiconductor diode may beinserted into at least one of aperture holder passthrough 425 andaperture passthrough 435. For example, passthroughs 425 and 435 may bothbe of a circular shape (see FIG. 4B) and sized to allow the blue dieportion of a white LED to pass through. Alternatively, passthroughs 425and 435 may both be of a square or rectangular shape and sized to allowthe blue die portion of a white LED to pass through. In still anotherembodiment, passthrough 425 may be of a circular shape sized to allowthe blue die portion of a white LED to pass through, while passthrough435 may be of a square shape that may be sized to allow or prevent theblue die to passthrough. Further illustrated is a dome lens 440, that issubstantially centered over the passthroughs 425, 435, wherein thelighting source (not shown) is positioned within or at a focal point ofdome lens 440. Dome lens 440 provides for the focusing of the lightgenerated by the not shown lighting source.

Lighting element 114 further includes lens assembly 450, which isattachable to housing 410 and used to retain the lighting source (notshown) within the housing 410.

In this illustrated embodiment, housing 410 further includes an internalscrew thread 417, that mates to a corresponding screw thread 451 on lensassembly 450 so that housing 410 and lens assembly 450 are rendered as asingle unit (e.g., lighting element 114). In accordance with theprinciples of the invention, the lighting source (not shown) ispositioned within the focal length of the objective lens 452, asdiscussed in USP '384.

Although a screw thread is illustrated, it would be recognized thathousing 410 and lens assembly 450 may be joined by other means. Forexample, housing 410 and lens assembly 450 may be joined together usinga bayonet connection, a snap-fit connection, a form fit connection andother similar connections, without altering the scope of the invention.

Further shown, on lens assembly 450, are grooves 454 that substantiallycircumvent lens assembly 450. Grooves 454, which is an optional featureof lens assembly 450, provide for an increased surface area todistribute heat generated within lighting element 114.

As discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,247,384, white light is generated bythe combination of a blue light lighting source (i.e., a blue die) and aphosphorus base layer (i.e., a yellowish light) and the use of anappropriately sized aperture passthrough 435 removes stray lightassociated with the phosphorus base layer from being viewable.

FIG. 4C illustrates an exploded perspective view of a second exemplarylighting element incorporated into the light assemblies shown in FIGS.2A and 2B in accordance with the principles of the invention.

In this illustrated embodiment, which is referred to as lightingelements 112 and 116, lighting elements 112 and 116 comprise elementssimilar to those disclosed with regard to FIG. 4B (i.e., light source,aperture holder, aperture, dome lens, etc.).

A transmission filter 412 and 416 (e.g., a short pass filter or abandpass filter) is further included at a distal end of correspondingone of lighting element 112 and 116, respectively. Filters 412 and 416are configured to limit the light output of lighting elements 112 and116 to a known wavelength range.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, lighting elements 112and 116 may generate a white light as discussed with regard to FIG. 4Band through the use of filters 412 and 416 may emit a colored light,wherein the specific wavelength range is based on the optical parametersof filters 412 and 416 to block a portion of the generated white lightwhile allowing another portion of the white light to pass.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, lighting elements112 and 116 may comprise a lighting source that generates a light in adesired color wavelength range. In this case, aperture 430 may not benecessary. However, even with the generation of light in a desired colorwavelength range, filter 412 and 416 may be utilized to limit the lightwavelengths emitted by lighting element 112 and 116 to known wavelengthranges.

FIG. 4C illustrates a second aspect of the invention, wherein aperture430 is not utilized. However, it would be understood that even with theuse of a lighting source generating a light in a desired colorwavelength range, aperture 430 may still be utilized.

In accordance with the principles of the invention, lighting element 112may generate a light in a first colored wavelength range (which for thepurposes of explaining the principles of the invention, shall bereferred to as first light, hereinafter) and lighting element 116 maygenerate a light in a second colored wavelength range (which for thepurposes of explaining the principles of the invention shall be referredto as second light, hereinafter). As would be recognized, the lightemitted by lighting element 112 may be the same or different than thelight emitted by lighting element 116.

The use of a filtered or color light wavelength output is useful in themedical arts, in that the interaction of the transmission of wavelengthsin a range of colored light onto a tissue sample causes the illuminatedtissue to generate and emit light (i.e., fluorescence) in a wavelengthregion that distinguishes normal tissue from diseased tissue.

FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary lightingelement shown in FIG. 4A, wherein a white light is outputted

In this illustrated exemplary embodiment, which is comparable to thelighting element shown in U.S. Pat. No. 10,247,384, lighting source 114a comprises a lighting device 515 (e.g., a lasing diode or a non-lasingdiode) positioned on printed circuit board 512, wherein aperture holder420/aperture 430 blocks that portion of light produced by lightingdevice 515, to produce, in this case, a white light.

Further illustrated is a dome lens 440 positioned on aperture 430. Domelens 440 provides for the focusing of the light outputted by lightingdevice 515.

Further illustrated is retainer 551, which retains dome lens 440 inposition by the contact of a passthrough 570 within retainer 551 throughwhich dome lens 440 is positioned within.

Lighting element 114 further includes housing 450 including objectivelens 452. In this illustrated case a second objective lens 553 is shown.

Lighting element 114 is further positioned on mounting plate 410.Mounting plate 410, which as discussed, includes a second printedcircuit board 505 (PCB) that controls the application of a voltage toPCB 512 and to lighting source 114 a within lighting element 114. PCB505 may include resistors, capacitors, diodes and transistors and/or aprocessor that perform logical operations in the control of a voltageapplied to lighting element 114 and subsequently to lighting source 114a. Resistors, capacitors, diodes and transistors and processors are wellknown elements in the electrical arts. For example, it is known in theart that transistors may operate as switches that direct voltage to, orremove voltage from, an electrical element such as a light emittingdiode. Thus, a detailed discussion regarding specific electrical and/orelectronic elements is not believed necessary for the understanding ofthe principles of the invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary lightingelement shown in FIG. 4C in accordance with the principles of theinvention, wherein a colored light is emitted.

In this exemplary cross-sectional view, components similar to thosedescribed with regard to FIG. 5A are shown, and a full understand ofthese components may be obtained from the description provided in FIG.5A.

Further illustrated is filter 412 (416) positioned at a distal end ofthe corresponding one of lighting element 112 (116). Filter 412 (416),as discussed, provides for the emission of a light within a knownwavelength range, while blocking the emission of light outside the knownrange.

As discussed with regard to FIG. 4C, the light generated by the lightingsource may be a white light or a colored light and filters 412 and 416may be formulated to emit wavelengths in a desired wavelength range.

Filters 412 and 416 may be formulated using absorptive or reflectiveproperties to block the emission of light generated by a correspondinglighting source 112 a and 116 a, respectively. For example, the material(e.g., glass, plastic) of filter 412 may be formulated to increase theabsorptive (or the reflective) properties of the material of filter 412such that light emitted by lighting element 112 above a desired value isblocked. Or the light generated by lighting element 112 may be emittedwithin a desired wavelength range. Similarly, filter 416 may beformulated (e.g., infused with absorptive matter) to allow thetransmission of light within a desired range to be emitted by lightingelement 116, while blocking light that is outside the desired wavelengthrange.

FIG. 5C illustrates a cross-section view of a first aspect of a lightingsource 114 a in accordance with the principles of the invention. FIG. 5Cis comparable to FIG. 12C of U.S. Pat. No. 10,247,384, wherein thereference labels have been modified to conform to corresponding elementspresented, herein. A more detailed discussion regarding the illustratedlighting source (e.g., 114 a) may be found in the referred to U.S. Pat.No. 10,247,384.

Generally, lighting source 114 a comprises lighting device 515 which iscomposed of a phosphorus layer 514 and a blue LED (or die) 516positioned on a printed circuit board 512. Printed circuit board 512includes electronic components (not shown) that control an application avoltage or current to the lighting device 515 to emit a light. Furtherillustrated are aperture holder 420 including passthrough 425 andaperture 430 including passthrough 435. As discussed, passthroughs 425and 435 may be circular or square, so to accommodate, in this case, theblue die 516 portion of lighting device 515. As illustrated apertureholder passthrough is sized to substantially cover the phosphor layer514 such that the light emitted by phosphor layer 514 is not viewable.Further illustrated is aperture 430, positioned within aperture holder420, including passthrough 435. In this illustrated case, aperturepassthrough 435 is sized to allow the die portion 516 of lighting device515 to passthrough. Further illustrated is dome lens 440, as previouslydiscussed, which may include an ant-reflective coating 475 on at leastone surface of dome lens 440.

In one aspect of the invention, a thickness of aperture holder420/aperture 430 may be sized in a manner such that die 516 ispositioned below an upper surface of aperture holder 420/aperture 430(as shown). Alternatively, a thickness of aperture holder 420/aperature430 may be sized in a manner such that a top surface of die 516 issubstantially flush with an upper surface of aperture holder420/aperture 430.

FIG. 5D illustrates a cross-section view of a second aspect of alighting source 114 a in accordance with the principles of theinvention.

In this illustrated second aspect of light source 114 a, which issimilar to that discussed with regard to FIG. 5C, aperture passthrough435 is sized to limit an area of die 516 from which light generated bylighting device 515 may be viewed. In this illustrated case, a thicknessof aperture holder 420 may be sized to be at least as large as athickness of die 516 such that die 516 does not pass through aperturepassthrough 435.

Although, lighting sources shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D have been describedwith regard to the generation of a white light (i.e., lighting source114 a), it would be understood that the configurations shown in FIGS. 5Cand 5D are also applicable to lighting sources 112 a and 116 a, whereinthe illustrated blue die 516 is comparable to the lighting device 515.

FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary eyewear configuration suitable for use withthe light assembly 110 (110-1) shown in FIG. 1 (FIG. 2B) to form a userwearable visualization system, in accordance with the principles of theinvention.

In this illustrated example, eyewear or carrier device 640 comprises aframe 642 comprising a plurality of lenses 644. Lenses 644 may be planoor prescriptive and incorporate, therein, a lens filtering system 648configured to prevent the viewing of specific wavelength ranges. Lensfiltering system 648 may comprise a coating or a tinting that providesfor the filtering of a light presented to lenses 644 such that lightwithin a specific or desired wavelength range is viewed while lightbeyond the desired wavelength range is blocked from being viewed. Inaddition, the lens filtering system 648 may be formulated within lenses644 by the introduction of an optically opaque material into thematerial of the lenses 644 wherein the optically opaque materialincreases the optical density of the lenses 644 in a specific wavelengthrange. Thus, light within the specific range may be prevented from beingviewed through lenses 644.

In one aspect of the invention, the filter characteristics of filtersystem 648 within lenses 644 may be formulated to limit theobservability (or viewability) of light in a first wavelength range(e.g., a lower blue light wavelength range) while allowing theobservability (or viewability) of light in a second wavelength range(e.g., an upper blue wavelength range and greater).

In a second aspect of the invention, the filter characteristics offilter system 648 within lenses 644 may be formulated to limit theobservability (or viewability) of light below a known value whileallowing the observability (or viewability) of light above the knownvalue (e.g., fluorescent light).

Although lens filtering system 648 is shown as a distinct feature itwould be understood by those skilled in the art that the opticallyopaque material or optical coating or tinting is distributed throughoutlenses 644.

In one aspect of the invention, lens filter system 648 is configured toblock of light viewed by eyewear 640 in a first wavelength range whileallowing light in another wavelength range to pass.

Further illustrated are magnification devices 600, inserted in anaperture 646 within a corresponding one of lenses 644. Magnificationdevices 600, provide for the magnification of light viewed bymagnification devices by a known magnification level (e.g., 2.5×, 3.5×,4.5×, 6.0×, etc.).

In this illustrated example, the magnification devices 600 arepositioned in the lenses 644 at an angle of declination (a) selected toprovide a user with ease of use, and to promote proper posture for theback, neck, head, and eyes that may be assumed when working at a closedistance.

A magnification filtering system (not shown) may be incorporated intomagnification devices 600 to provide for the blockage of light viewed bymagnification devices 600 in a first wavelength range while allowinglight in second wavelength range to pass.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate exemplary embodiments of the filtering systemincorporated into magnification devices 600 shown in FIG. 6 , whereinFIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a magnification level of 2×.

Magnification devices 600 comprise an objective lens 716 and an eye lens718 separated by a known distance. A determination of a magnificationlevel of magnification devices 600 is known in the art to be based onthe characteristics of the objective lens 716, the eye lens 718, and thedistance separating said objective lens 716 and eye lens 718 and adetailed discussion regarding the determination of magnification levelis not believed necessary to recognize the principles of the inventiondisclosed.

In the exemplary embodiment shown FIG. 7A objective lens 716 and eyelens 718 are separated by a distance that allows for a 2× magnificationlevel. Further illustrated are absorptive filter 720 and absorptivefilter 722, wherein filter 720 is positioned at a distal end ofmagnification device 600, such that light viewed by magnification device600 enters filter 720 prior to entering magnification device 600.

The filtering characteristics (e.g., optical density) of filter 720 maybe formulated to allow passage of wavelengths in a second wavelengthrange, while blocking wavelengths in the first wavelength range.Similarly, the filtering characteristics of filter 722 may be formulatedto block wavelengths in a first wavelength range and allow passage ofwavelengths in the second wavelength range. For example, the filtercharacteristics of filter 720 may be formulated based on an expectedinput power (or power density) to filter 720 and the magnification levelof magnification devices 600 and the filter characteristics of filter722 may be formulated based on the filter characteristics of filter 720and the magnification level of the optical system of magnificationdevices 600.

As discussed with regard to lenses 644, filters 720 and 722 may beformulated such that an optically opaque material may be introduced intothe material of the filters 720 and 722 wherein the optically opaquematerial increases the optical density of filters 720 and 722 in aspecific wavelength range. Alternatively, filters 720 and 722 may beconstructed using an optical coating or an optical tinting that increasethe optical density of filters 720 and 722 in a specific wavelengthrange.

The filtering characteristics of filter 720 may be determined based atleast on the input power of the light being viewed and the magnificationlevel of magnification device 600. Similarly, the filteringcharacteristics of filter 722 may be determined based at least on theinput power, the filtering characteristics of filter 720 and themagnification level of magnification devices 600.

Accordingly, filter 720 reduces an input light to a residualmagnification level, which is then magnified by the optical system ofmagnification device 600. Filter 722 is then formulated to reduce themagnified residual light to a level that prevents damage to a user's eyecaused by either the viewed light wavelength or the power of the viewedlight.

FIG. 7B illustrates a similar configuration of magnification device 600,wherein the filters 720/222 reflect undesired light wavelength ranges.In this case, the filtering capability of reflective filters 720 andfilters 722 are based on the ability of the filters to prevent thepassage of light in an undesired range (i.e., a first wavelength range)by reflecting the wavelengths of the undesired wavelength range andallow passage of light in a second wavelength range.

Filters 720/722, whether absorptive or reflective, operate in a similarmanner to reduce the magnitude of the input light to a level thatprevents damage to the eyes of a user.

Although filters 720 and 722 are shown, it would be recognized that thefiltering capability of magnification devices 600 may be performed usinga single filter, which may be positioned prior to the objective lens 716or post the eye lens 718. The use of a single filter may the determinedbased in part on the input power of the light expected to be viewed bythe magnification devices 600 and the magnification level ofmagnification devices 600.

Similarly, while two absorptive and two reflective filters are shown, itwould be recognized that the specific filter combination is not limitedto the illustrated examples. For example, the filter system 720/722 maycomprise an absorptive filter and a reflective filter wherein the filterpass band characteristics may be similar. That is, block wavelengths ofa first light wavelength range through a process of absorbing and thenreflecting light in the first light wavelength range.

In one aspect of the invention, wherein light assembly 110 transmits afirst light and a second light, the filtering capabilities of filters720/722 and filter system 648 may be formulated based on the wavelengthranges of the transmitted first light and the second light, the expectedinput power of the light to be viewed, and the magnification level ofthe level of magnification of the light to be viewed.

The filter system 648 and the filters 720/722 are, hereinafter, referredto as emission filters, as these filters are designed to blockreflection of emitted light while allowing for the passage of afluorescent light emitted when bacteria or decay is illuminated by theexcitation light emitted by the lighting sources within light assembly100.

FIG. 7C illustrates a graph for an exemplary visualization systemcomprising the light transmission (excitation light) associated withlight assembly 110 shown in FIG. 1 and filtering capability of theeyewear 640 shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with the principles of theinvention.

In the illustrated graph, wavelength is measured along the horizontalaxis, with light intensity emitted by light assembly 110 measured alongthe left vertical axis and the filter response characteristic 780 offilter system 648 of lenses 644 measured along the right vertical axis.

In this illustrated example, a first (i.e., a primary) light 750 isshown at a first wavelength with an emitted light intensity of 1.0 and asecond (i.e., secondary) light 760 is shown at a second wavelength withan emitted intensity less than that of the intensity of the first light750. Further illustrated is a generated fluorescent light 770 at awavelength higher than the second light 760. Fluorescent light 770 maybe generated by the interaction of the emitted first light 750 and/orsecond light 760 with bacteria or other inflammation that may beassociated with diseased tissue.

In this illustrated case, the intensity of light 770 is shown as beingsignificant. However, it would be recognized, that the intensity offluorescent light 770 may be determined, in part, based on the emittedlight intensities of first light 750 and/or second light 760 and anamount of bacteria resident on a tissue subjected to the emittedexcitation first light 750 and/or second light 760. In addition, thewavelength associated with the generated fluorescent light may be basedon the wavelength associated with the first (excitation) light 750and/or second light 760 and a type of bacteria residing on the tissue.

In accordance with the principles of the invention, transmission filters412 and 416 associated with lighting elements 112, 116, respectively,may be formulated to cause the transmission of first light 750 andsecond light 760, respectively, about the illustrated nominalwavelengths. That is, the transmission filter characteristic of filters412 may be formulated to allow emission of light generated by lightingsource 112 a to be limited to a wavelength associated with first light750. For example, where lighting source 112 a may generate a light in awavelength range of 400 nm to 450 nm, the transmission filtercharacteristics of filter 412 may be selected or formulated to limit thelight emitted to be within a range of, 430-440 nm (i.e., a nominal valueof 435 nm). Similarly, the filter characteristics of transmission filter416 may be formulated to limit the light generated by lighting source116 a to be limited to a wavelength range associated with second light760. For example, where lighting source 116 a generates a white light(i.e., 385-700 nm) the filter characteristics of filter 416 may beselected or formulated to limit the light emitted by lighting element116 to be within a range of 460-480 (i.e., a nominal value of 470 nm).Thus, the filter characteristic of filters 412 and 416 may be selectedto pass or emit wavelengths of light in a desired wavelength range whileblocking or suppressing the emission of wavelengths outside the desiredwavelength emission range.

The filter characteristics of filters 412 and 416 may be furtherformulated to remove emitted wavelengths below an expected power orintensity level of the nominal wavelength, for example.

That is, the filter characteristics of filter 412 may be formulated toprevent, or cutoff, the emission of light, which is represented asdashed line 754, associated with first light above a known wavelengthvalue. Similarly, the filter characteristics of filter 416 areformulated to prevent, or cutoff, the emission of light, which isrepresented as dashed line 764, above a specified wavelength value. Inthis illustrated example, filters 412 and 416 may further possess filtercharacteristics associated with a low pass (or short pass) that allowswavelengths below a known value (in this illustrated case, cutoff 752,cutoff 762) to pass while preventing wavelengths above the known valueto be blocked or attenuated.

Light emission cutoff values 752 and 754 associated with first light 750and second light 760, respectively, may be determined based on anintensity value. For example, cutoff value 752 may be selected toprevent wavelengths in a wavelength band or range associated with firstlight 750 having an intensity (or power) level less than a known percent(e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, etc.) of the intensity (or power) output of thenominal wavelength of first light 750. Similarly, light emission cutoffvalue 762 may be selected to prevent wavelengths in a wavelength bandassociated with second light 760 having an intensity level less than aknown percent (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, etc.) of the intensity output of thenominal wavelength of second light 760. In another aspect of theinvention, light emission cutoff value 752 may be selected such thatwavelengths associated with first light 750 having an intensity lessthan an intensity of second light 760 may be prevented or blocked frombeing emitted.

In still another aspect of the invention, light emission cutoff value752 (and 762) may be preset values based on the known or nominalwavelength value of first light 750 and second light 760, respectively.For example, cutoff value 752 may be determined as being within awavelength range of five (5) nm to forty (40) nm above the wavelengthassociated with first light 750 Similarly, cutoff value 762 may bedetermined as being within a wavelength range of five (5) nm to forty(40) nm above the wavelength associated with second light 760. In theillustrated case shown in FIG. 7C, the intensity of the first light atviewpoint 130 may be significantly greater that the intensity of thesecond light. For example, the intensity of light outputted by the firstlighting source 112 a and the intensity of light outputted by the secondlighting source 116 a may be adjusted based on a drive current providedto the first lighting source 112 a and the second lighting source 116 a.

Further illustrated is the filter response characteristics 780 (i.e., along pass filter response of filter system 648) of lens 644, whereinfilter response characteristic 780 shown provides for the blocking(i.e., attenuation or suppression) of light in a first wavelength rangeand allowing passage of light in a second wavelength range In thisillustrated case, the filter response 780, which allows for passage oflight above the wavelength associated with reference number 740 isrepresentative of a long-pass filter response, wherein wavelengths belowreference label 740 are suppressed and wavelengths above reference label740 are passed. The wavelength associated with reference label 740 is,hereinafter, referred to as a filter start point.

In this illustrated example, the lens filtering system 648, through theappropriate selection of filter characteristics (i.e., optical density),attenuate light having wavelengths below a wavelength associated withreference label 740 while allowing light above the wavelength value 740to pass.

In this illustrated case, the wavelength associated with reference label740, which is positioned between the wavelength of first light 750 andthe wavelength of second light 760 to suppress light associated firstlight 750 and increases to allow substantially 100 percent of secondlight 760 and fluorescent light 770 to be viewable through the filtersystem 648 of lens 644.

FIG. 7D illustrates a graph of a second exemplary visualization systemcomprising light assembly 110 shown in FIG. 1 configured to emit atleast one excitation light and filtering capability of the eyewear 640shown in FIG. 6 , wherein the excitation or transmission filters (e.g.,412) associated with lighting source 112 of light assembly 110 allowwavelengths within a band of wavelengths (i.e., bandpass filter).

In this illustrated example, the emitted first light 750 is limited towavelength values that correspond to, for example, 3 dB points (i.e.,half power) of the illustrated wavelength shape associated with firstlight 750. Thus, light emitted by lighting source 112 is limited to anarrow wavelength range.

Further illustrated, is second transmission light 760, as discussed withregard to FIG. 7C, wherein transmission filter 416 comprises a shortpass filter that blocks or suppresses wavelength greater than cutoffwavelength 762 from being emitted.

In this illustrated example, the filter response 780 of filters 648 ofeyewear 640, suppresses light associated with the filter start point 740while allowing the passage and viewing of second (excitation) light 760and fluorescent light 770, as discussed with regard to FIG. 7C.

FIG. 7E illustrates a graph of another exemplary visualization systemcomprising light assembly 110 shown in FIG. 1 emitting first light 750and filtering capability of the eyewear 640 shown in FIG. 6 , whereinfirst light 750 is bandpass limited as disclosed with regard to FIG. 7Dand filtering capability of eyewear 640 comprises a long pass filterresponse 780 as discussed with regard to FIGS. 7C and 7D.

In this illustrated example, second light 760 is not transmitted. Forexample, lighting source 116 may not be included in light assembly 110or lighting source 116 may comprise the same elements (e.g., lightsource 112 a, transmission filter 412), wherein the combination of thelight emitted by lighting source 112 and 116 combine to produce a lightintensity at the illuminated object that is twice that of a singlelighting source 112.

In this illustrated example, the filter response characteristics 780 offilter system 648 allows for the viewing of fluorescent light 770 isviewable through FIG. 7F illustrates a graph of still another exemplaryvisualization system comprising of light assembly 110 shown in FIG. 1emitting excitation light at first light 750 and filtering capability offilters 648 of the eyewear 640 shown in FIG. 6 , wherein a low passfilter response is associated with transmission of first light 750 andthe filtering capability comprises a long pass filter response 780, asdiscussed with regard to FIG. 7C. Similar to the discussion of FIG. 7E,the wavelength of fluorescent light 770 lies within the allowed to passwavelengths such that fluorescent light 770 is viewable through filters648 of eyewear 640. As with FIG. 7E, second light 760 is not emitted bylight assembly.

FIG. 7G illustrates a graph of still another exemplary visualizationsystem comprising light assembly 110 shown in FIG. 1 emitting excitationfirst light 750 and second light 760 and filtering capability of theeyewear 640 shown in FIG. 6 as discussed with regard to FIG. 7C. In thisillustrated embodiment, first light 750 is not wavelength limited bytransmissive filter 412, for example, as is shown in FIG. 7C whereassecond light 760 is wavelength limited through the use of a short passfilter that limits the emitter wavelengths to be below the wavelengthassociated with cutoff value 762, as discussed with regard to FIG. 7C.

Further illustrated is the filter response characteristics 780associated with lens 648 of lens 644, wherein wavelengths outside aknown region around first light 750 are suppressed or attenuated andwavelengths outside the known region are viewable. The filter responsecharacteristics 780 in this illustrated case is conventionally referredto as a notch filter response 780. As illustrated, second light 760 andthe generated fluorescent light 770 are viewable through filters 648 ofeyewear 640.

Although FIGS. 7C-7G illustrate specific emitted wavelength/filtercapability configurations, it would be recognized, that theseconfigurations are merely examples of the invention disclosed, herein,and do not represent all the emitted wavelength/filter capabilityconfigurations possible, which are considered within the scope of theinvention claimed.

In addition, although the exemplary configurations of light assembly110/eyewear device 640 are discussed in detail, it would be recognizedthat in each of these exemplary embodiments, magnification devices 600may be incorporated without altering the scope of the invention. Thus,magnification devices 600 and corresponding filters 720/720 ofmagnification devices 600 may be incorporated into eyewear 640 and thefilter characteristics of magnification devices 600 may be similar tothe exemplary embodiments illustrated. In one aspect of the invention,the filter response characteristics of filters 720/722 may be the sameas the filter response characteristics 780 associated with filters 648.In another aspect of the invention, the filter response characteristicsof filters 720/722 may be different than the filter responsecharacteristics 780 associated with filters 648. In this aspect of theinvention, the difference in filter response characteristics may bebased, in part, on the ability to prepare similar type filters.

For example, the filter response characteristic of filter system 648 oflens 644 may be selected to allow for only the viewing of second light760 and fluorescent light 770 whereas the filter response characteristicof filters 720/722 may be selected to allow for the viewing of onlyfluorescent light 770.

In accordance with the principles of the invention, a user wearablefluorescent light visualization system disclosed provides for theemission of an excitation light and the subsequent viewing of a light(i.e., a fluorescent light) generated through the interaction of theemitted light with an object, such as a tissue, while preventing theviewing of portions of the emitted light that may be harmful to a userand/or interfere with the viewing of the generated fluorescent light.

Thus, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention,utilizing the head strap 100 and the light assembly 110, shown in FIG. 1, and the eyewear device 640 shown in FIG. 6 , light generated andemitted by light assembly 110 and reflected by an object (tissue) towardlenses 644 may be selectively viewable through lenses 644, such that aportion of the emitted light is removed from the reflected light whileallowing a second portion of the reflected light (i.e., second light 760and fluorescent light 770) to be viewable. And, thus, provide apractitioner the ability to safely distinguish, in real-time, healthytissue from diseased tissue through the viewing of the receivedfluorescent light.

In addition, the selection of the illustrated filter responsecharacteristics 780 further provides for the viewing of a white lightgenerated by lighting element 114 to be viewed as a substantially whitelight as the pass band characteristics 780 allows a significant numberof wavelengths to be viewed.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the use of anenhancing agent, such as a fluorophore may increase the ability of thepractitioner to distinguish healthy tissue from diseased tissue as thediseased tissue absorbing the fluorophore increases the generation ofthe florescent light caused by the interaction of the transmitted firstlight and/or second light with the fluorophore.

In addition, other enhancing agents, such as a dye or a contrastingagent, may be utilized to enhance the generation of fluorescent light tohighlight differences between diseased tissue and healthy tissue.

In one aspect of the invention, the contrasting element (or dye orfluorophore) may be applied directly to the suspected diseased tissuearea. In another aspect of the invention, the dye, fluorophore orcontrasting element may be injected into a patient, wherein the injectedelement may be absorbed or “taken up” by the tissue. In still a furtheraspect of the invention, the dye, fluorophore or contrasting agent maybe orally ingested by a patient, such that the dye, fluorophore orcontrasting agent may be absorbed or “taken up” by the tissue.

Accordingly, with the application or the use of a contrasting agent,dye, or fluorophore (e.g., aminolevulinic acid HCL (which is referred toin the art as 5-ALA)), the generated fluorescent light 770 may provide afurther distinction between healthy and diseased tissue. Aminolevulinicacid HCL, is marketed under the brand name Gleolan. Gleolan is atrademark of NX Development Corp.

FIG. 8 illustrates a frontal view of a second exemplary embodiment of avisualization system in accordance with the principles of the invention.

In this illustrated second exemplary embodiment, a carrier devicesimilar to that disclosed with regard to FIG. 6 is illustrated and afull understanding of these elements presented in FIG. 8 may be obtainedfrom the descriptions provided in FIGS. 1 and 6 .

Further illustrated is light assembly 110 (see FIG. 1 ), comprisinglighting elements 112, 114, 116, positioned between magnificationdevices 600.

Although, this second exemplary embodiment is shown utilizing themagnification devices 600 of FIG. 6 , it would be understood, themagnification devices 600 are not necessary for viewing the generatedfluorescent light.

In this illustrate example, pod 820 contains a power source (i.e., abattery) that may be used to power the lighting sources 112 a, 114 a,116 a within lighting elements 112, 114, 116, respectively, and otherelectronic circuitry (not shown) that is used to control a voltage (orcurrent) applied to the lighting source 112 a, 114 a, 116 a.

Further illustrated is a contact or contactless control means 860 forcontrolling the application of a voltage or current to any of lightingsources 112 a, 114 a, 116 a. For example, the control means 860 may beconfigured to allow for a capacitive touch of metallic elements on pod820 to apply/remove the voltage or current applied to one or more of thelighting sources 112 a, 114 a, 116 a. Alternative, control means 860 maycomprise a physical switch that allows for the application/removal of avoltage or current applied on one or more of light sources 112 a, 114 a,116 a. The physical switch may be, for example, a normally open switchthat when depressed is closed and remains in a closed position until asecond depression of the switch. Alternatively, the physical switch maybe a momentary switch that makes a momentary contact to activate (ordeactivate) the switch and then returns to an initial position. Inanother aspect of the invention, control means 860 may be configured toallow for a non-contact control of the voltage (or current) applied tothe lighting sources 112 a, 114 a, 116 a. (see, U.S. Pat. No.10,240,769).

For example, a non-contact control of the voltage (or current) appliedto lighting sources 112 a, 114 a, 116 a may be achieved by theoccurrence of a detection of a reflection of a signal, such as aninfra-red, or an ultra-sonic, signal, that may be transmitted through atransmitter (not shown) and which is reflected by an object passingthrough the transmitted signal. A reflection of the transmitted signalmay be detected by a receiver (or a detector, not shown). The receiveror detector may then generate an indication of the reflected signal tothe electronic circuitry to apply or remove the voltage to the lightingsources 112 a, 114 a, 116 a. Although the power source is shown attachedto the eyewear, it would be recognized that the power source may beseparated from the eyewear and those skilled in the art would have theknowledge to alter the configuration shown, herein, to provide powerfrom a remote source to the lighting sources 112 a, 114 a, 116 a withoutundue experimentation. FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a thirdexemplary embodiment of a lighting assembly 925 in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

In this illustrated exemplary third configuration, light assembly 925comprises two lighting elements 940, 945, shown suspended from head band900, which allows for the retention of light assembly 925 to a user. Thehead band in this illustrated embodiment is similar to that shown inU.S. Pat. No. RE 456,463, the contents of which are incorporated byreference, herein.

Each of the two lighting elements 940, 945 is capable of generatinglight in a plurality of wavelength ranges, as will be discussed. Furtherillustrated is an electrical source 970 (e.g., a battery pack), remotelylocated from light assembly 925. Electrical source 970 provideselectrical energy to the lighting sources (not shown) within lightingelements 940, 945. In this illustrate embodiment, electrical energy frompower source 970 is provided to lighting elements 940, 945 through oneor more wired connections, 960, 965.

Further illustrated is a switch 915 that may operate to determine whichof the multiple lighting sources within lighting elements 940, 945generate a light. Alternatively, light assembly 925 may include acontact or contactless switch control 985, which may utilize acapacitive touch or a contactless (i.e., infra-redtransmission/receiving system) to alter the output of light fromcorresponding ones of lighting elements 940, 945. Contact andcontactless switch control 985 is similar to the contact and contactlessswitch control previously discussed with regard to FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10A illustrates a cross sectional view of a first aspect of a thirdexemplary embodiment of lighting elements 940 in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

In this exemplary embodiment, lighting element 940 comprises housing1000 and lens assembly 1001 positioned on a first end of housing 1000.Lens assembly 1001 comprises at least one lens 1002, 1004 forming anoptical axis 1042 on which is focal point 1030. As would be recognized,housing 1000, lens assembly 1001 and lens 1002,1004 are comparable tohousing lens assembly 450, and lens 454, 553, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A,for example. Similarly, focal point 1030 is similar to viewpoint 130shown in FIG. 1 .

Further illustrated is optical assembly 1007 comprising a plurality oflighting modules (illustrated as first lighting module 1010 and secondlighting module 1012) positioned around an inner circumference ofoptical assembly 1007 The first lighting module 1010 and second lightingmodule 1012 are similar in construction to lighting element 114 a, shownin FIGS. 4A, 5A, wherein a white light is generated.

Although only two lighting modules are shown, it would be understoodthat a plurality of lighting modules may be incorporated about theinternal circumference of optical assembly 1007.

Optical assembly 1007 further comprises a light director 1015, whichoperates to redirect light generated by first lighting module 1010 andsecond lighting module 1012 toward lens assembly 1001.

Further illustrated is light director 1015 constructed as one of apyramid or a cone shaped element positioned on base 1006.

Although, a pyramid is discussed for the configuration of light director1015, it would be recognized that the three-dimensional shape of lightdirector 1015 may comprise a multi-sided structure (i.e., with ageometrically shaped base such as a triangle, a square, a pentagon,etc.) with sloping sides that meet in a point at the top, wherein thenumber of sides of the structure is based on a number of lightingsources positioned about the inner circumference of optical assembly1007. In another aspect of the invention, light director 1015 maycomprise a cone, wherein the base is circular with sloping sides thatmeet in a point at the top.

In this illustrated example, light director 1015 extends from base 1006at an angle that is oriented at a substantially 45-degree angle withrespect to optical axis 1042, to enable light generated by firstlighting element 1010 and second lighting element 1012 to be redirectedtoward lens assembly 1001.

Light director 1015 further comprises reflective surfaces (e.g.,polished aluminum, mirror, etc.) 1040, 1042, which operate to increasethe amount of light generated by first lighting module 1010 and secondlighting module 1012 that is reflected toward lens assembly 1001.

As illustrated, light generated by first lighting module 1010 isdirected along light path 1060 and impinges upon reflective surface1040. Reflective surface 1040 redirects the light along light path 1020toward lens assembly 1001.

Similarly, light generated by second lighting module 1012 is directedalong light path 1062 and impinges upon reflective surface 1042.Reflective surface 1042 redirects the light along light path 1022,toward lens assembly 1001 substantially parallel to optical axis 1042.In accordance with the principles of the invention, light directed alonglight paths 1020 and 1022 is outputted by lens assembly 1001 such thatthe light converges onto known point 1030 (i.e., focal point 130, FIG. 1). In this illustrative example, the focal point 130, which isrepresented as 1030, is selected to be approximately 16 inches from alighting device 1000. FIG. 10B illustrates a cross sectional view of asecond aspect of the third exemplary embodiment of lighting element 945shown in FIG. 9 .

Lighting elements 945 include elements that are comparable to thosedisclosed with regard to FIG. 10A and a full understanding of thesecomponents may be obtained from the description provided in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10B further illustrates first lighting element 1010′ and secondlighting element 1012′, that are comparable to first lighting element1010 and 1012, respectively.

However, first lighting element 1010′ includes filter 1050 and secondlighting element 1012′ includes filter 1052, wherein filters 1050 and1052 are comparable to at least one of filter 412 and 416, to limit thelight transmitted by first lighting element 1010′ and second lightingelement 1012′ to a known wavelength (e.g., first light or second light)or a desired wavelength band.

For example, filter 1050 may operate in a manner similar to that offilter 412 to filter the light generated by lighting element 1010′ to afirst light wavelength range (e.g., first light 750) and filter 1052 mayoperate in a manner similar to that of filter 416 to filter the lightgenerated by lighting element 1012′ to a second light wavelength range(e.g., second light 760). In the illustrated embodiment, filters 1050,1052, are shown positioned between the dome lens 440 and the lightingsource. However, in a second aspect of the invention, the filters 1050and 1052 may be positioned after light passes through dome lens 440.FIG. 10B further illustrates the optional position of filters 1050, 1052as dashed lines.

FIG. 11A illustrates a cross sectional view of a first aspect of afourth exemplary embodiment of alighting elements 940 in accordance withthe principles of the invention.

In this exemplary embodiment, each of lighting element 940 compriseselements similar to those described with regard to FIG. 10A and a fullunderstand of these elements may be obtained from the descriptionprovided in FIG. 10A.

In this illustrated case, first lighting element 1110 and secondlighting element 1112 are similar in construction to lighting element1010 and 1012, respectively and are similarly positioned about an innercircumference of housing 1100.

However, first lighting element 1110 and second lighting element 1112lack dome lens 440 associated with first lighting element 1110 andsecond lighting element 1012. In this case, first lighting element 1110and second lighting elements 1112 comprise a light emitting source(e.g., an LED) and an aperture (not shown) to limit the output of firstlighting element 1110 and second lighting element 1112 to a white lightwavelength range.

Further illustrated is lens 1170 positioned substantially perpendicularto optical axis 1142. In this illustrated example, lens 1170 ispositioned in contact with light director 1115, which is shown as aclipped or truncated pyramid, and is sized such that light generated bylighting sources 1110 and 1112 is redirected from reflective surfaces1140, 1142 and is captured by lens 1170.

As discussed with regard to FIGS. 10A and 10B, light generated by firstlighting element 1110 and second lighting element 1112 is directed tofocal point 1130.

FIG. 11B illustrates a second aspect of the fourth exemplary embodimentof the lighting elements 945 shown in FIG. 9 .

In this second aspect of embodiment of lighting element 945, lightingelement 945 comprises elements that are comparable or similar to thosedescribed with regard to FIG. 11A and, thus, a detailed discussion ofcomparable elements is believed not necessary for the understanding ofthe principles of the invention claimed.

FIG. 11B further illustrates filter 1152 associated with lightingelement 1112′ and filter 1150 associated with lighting element 1110′,wherein filters 1150 and 1152 are comparable to at least one of filter412 and 416, as discussed with regard to filters 1050 and 1052,respectively.

FIG. 12A illustrates a cross sectional view of a first aspect of a fifthexemplary embodiment of lighting element 940 in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

In this first aspect of the fifth exemplary embodiment shown, lightingelement 1200 comprises elements similar to those described with regardto FIG. 10A, and a full understand of these elements may be obtainedfrom the description provided in FIG. 10A.

For example, light generated by first lighting module 1210 is directedalong light path 1260 and impinges upon reflective surface 1240.Reflective surface 1240 redirects the light along light path 1220 towardlens assembly 1201. Similarly, light generated by second lighting module1212 is directed along light path 1262 and impinges upon reflectivesurface 1242. Reflective surface 1242 redirects the light along lightpath 1222 toward lens assembly 1201.

Further illustrated is lens 1270, similar to lens 1170, positionedsubstantially perpendicular to optical axis 1242. Lens 1270 is sized tocapture light redirected from reflective surfaces 1240, 1242 and directthe captured light toward lens assembly 1201.

In this illustrated example, light generated by first lighting element1210 and second lighting element 1222 is reflected by light director1215, as previously described, to converge on to focal point 1230.

FIG. 12B illustrates a cross sectional view of a second aspect of theexemplary embodiment of lighting elements 945 shown in FIG. 9 .

This second aspect of lighting elements 940, 945 is comparable to thefirst exemplary embodiment of lighting elements 940, 945 shown in FIG.12A and, thus, detailed discussion of comparable elements is believednot necessary for the understanding of the principles of the inventionclaimed.

FIG. 12B further illustrates filter 1252 associated with lightingelement 1212′ and filter 1250 associated with lighting element 1210′,wherein filters 1250 and 1252 are comparable to at least one of filter412 and 416, which limit the light transmitted by first lighting element1210′ and 1212′ to a known wavelength (e.g., first light or secondlight).

For example, filter 1250 may operate as filter 412 to filter the lightgenerated by lighting element 1210′ in a manner such that first lightmay be reflected off of, and redirected by, reflective surface 1240.Similarly, filter 1252 may operate as filter 416 to filter the lightgenerated by lighting element 1212′ in a manner such that a second lightmay be reflected off of, and redirected by, reflective surface 1242.

Although lens 1170, 1270 shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B aredepicted as extending to the width of optical assembly 1107, 1207, itwould be understood that lens 1170, 1270 may be included within a holderthat extends to the width of optical assembly 1107, 1207, wherein theholder retains lens 1170, 1270 in place while lens 1170, 1270 may besized to be sufficient to capture the light redirected by light director1115, 1215, respectively.

Although, the redirected light is illustrated as being substantiallyparallel to optical axis 1042, 1142 and 1242 shown in FIGS. 10A-12B, itwould be recognized that either the direction of the light impinging onlight director 1015, 1115, 1215 or the angle of the sides of lightdirector 1015, 1115, 1215 may be selected such that the redirected lightmay contact lens 1004, 1104, 1204 at an angle that is not substantiallyparallel to optic axis 1042, 1142, 1242. That is, with regard to FIG.10A, for example, light paths 1020 and 1022 need not be substantiallyparallel to optical axis 1042 and, thus, do not contact lens 1004substantially perpendicular to lens 1004.

Accordingly, the orientation of lighting sources 1010, 1012 or theorientation of the angle of light director 1015 may be altered such thatredirected light may contact lens 1004 in a manner to consider theoptical path through lens 1002, 1004 such that light is directed towardfocal point 1030.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention shown in FIGS. 10A-12B,light assembly 940 may be configured to output or emit a white light,whereas light assembly 945 may output one or both of a first light and asecond light.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, light assembly 940may be configured to emit one of a white light and a first light andlight assembly 945 may be configured to emit one of a white light and asecond light.

As previously disclosed, the intensity of the light generated at secondlight may be significantly less that the intensity of the lightgenerated at first light.

In one aspect of the invention, voltage applied to second lightingsource (e.g., 1012′, FIG. 10B) may be less than the voltage applied tothe first lighting source (e.g., 1010′, FIG. 10B), such that the lightoutput of the second lighting source is less than the light output ofthe first lighting source.

In another aspect of the invention, a number of first lighting sourcesmay be greater than a number of second light lighting sources. In thiscase, the greater number of first lighting sources generate a lightoutput greater than the lesser number of second lighting sources torender the intensity of the first light greater than that of the secondlight at the known distance.

In still another embodiment of the invention, each of lighting elements940 and 945 may comprise at least one a white light lighting source(e.g., 114 a), at least one of a first light lighting source (e.g., 112a) and at least one of a second light lighting source (e.g., 116 a),about an inner circumference of optical assembly 1007.

For example, utilizing a 4 sided pyramid light director 1015, twolighting sources 1010, 1012 may be positioned such that light generatedby lighting sources 1010, 1012 are directed to opposing sides of lightdirector 1015, while light source 1010′ and light source 1012′ may bepositioned such that light generated by lighting sources 1010′, 1012′may be directed to the remaining opposed sides of light director 1015 todirect light to the other sides of light director 1015.

In this embodiment each of lighting elements 940 and 945 may be used togenerate one or more of the wavelengths disclosed herein.

Control of the output of light from one of the white light lightingsources or the color light lighting sources, may be implemented using acontact or contact-less switching mechanism.

For example, FIG. 5A illustrates a printed circuit board 505, onmounting plate 410, which includes electronic or electrical componentsthat provide for a switching mechanism wherein at least one of the whitelight and the color lights may be emitted. A switch on printed circuitboard 505, may be used direct electrical energy from a power source(i.e., 820 FIG. 8, 970 FIG. 9 ) to one of the white light lightingsources or the colored light lighting sources that may be housed withinhousing 110 (FIG. 1 ) or housing 925 (FIG. 9 ).

In one aspect of the invention, the remote switch control may compriseone of: a contact control or a contact-less control mechanism, whichhave been previously described. In accordance with the principles of theinvention, after detection of a contact control signal or a contact-lesscontrol signal, an indication of the detection may be provided to awireless communication system, which transmits the detected indicationto the receiver on PCB 505.

PCB 505, in response to receiving the indication of a detection of acontrol signal, may alter a state of lighting elements 112, 114 and 116.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, printed circuitboard 505 may include at least a wireless communication receiving systemthat is responsive to a command from a remote switch control (notshown). For example, the wireless communication receiving system and theremote switch control may communicate using a BLUETOOTH communicationprotocol (or other well-known short range communication systems).

Although BLUETOOTH communication is disclosed, it would be understoodthat other forms of short-range wireless communication system (e.g.,Zigbee, Z-Wave, 6LoWPAN, and other short range communicationtechnologies) may be utilized without altering the scope of theinvention.

In one aspect of the invention, a remote switch or switches may be afoot-pedal switch that may include one or more switches that apractitioner may operate using their foot. The use of a foot pedalswitch is advantageous in a medical procedure, for example, where apractitioner may not be able to utilize their hands to change the lightoutput (i.e., white light, colored light).

FIG. 13 illustrates a state diagram of an exemplary processingassociated with the control of light assembly 110, for example, whereina single contact control (e.g., a single foot pedal) is utilized.

In this exemplary state diagram, the light assembly 110 (or 925) is inan OFF-state wherein both white light and colored light lighting sourcesare in a “not-emitting” state. (state 1300).

In accordance with the principles of the invention, with the detectionof a first event (EVT1) the first (e.g., white) light lighting sourcesare “turned on” (state 1310).

As would be recognized, a first event (EVT1) and the other eventsdiscussed, herein, may be detected through one of a touch contact, atouchless-contact or a wireless transmission (i.e., a remote switchinitiates an event, an indication of the event is transmitted by atransmitter to a receiver, which provides the received indication toelectronic circuit 130. The wireless connection between the transmitterand receiver may be one of: a near field communication protocol (NFC), aBLUETOOTH protocol, a ZigBee protocol, etc.).

Assuming a wireless transmission where a remote switch includes awireless connection to PCB 505, EVT1 may be indicated with a depressionon the remote switch.

With the detection of a second depression of the remote switch, a secondevent (EVT2) is generated, wherein the white light lighting sources are“turned off” and the second (e.g., colored) light lighting sources are“turned on” (state 1320). Finally, with the detection of a third event(EVT3), the processing returns to the initial state (state 1300) whereall the lighting sources are turned off.

FIG. 14 illustrates a state of a second exemplary processing associatedwith the control of light assembly 110 (925), wherein a double control(e.g., dual foot pedal) is utilized. In this exemplary processing, aleft foot pedal of a remote switch may generate an EVT1 event whereas aright foot pedal may generate an EVT2 event.

In this exemplary state diagram, both white light lighting sources andcolored light lighting sources are in an off (not-transmitting) state(state 1400). With the detection of a first event (EVT1) (receivedthrough the wireless communication link) the white light lightingsources are “turned on” (state 1410).

With the detection of a next event, a determination is made whether thenext event is one of a first event (EVT1) or a second event (EVT2). Ifthe next event is determined to be a first event, processing proceeds tothe initial state (state 1400) where the white light lighting sourcesare turned off.

However, if the next event is determined to be a second event (EVT2),then processing proceeds to state 1420 where the white light lightingsources are turned off and the colored light lighting sources are turnedon.

In this state 1420 with the detection of a next event, a determinationis made whether the next event is one of a first event (EVT1) or asecond event (EVT2). If a first event (EVT1), processing returns tostate 1410 to turn the white light lighting sources on and the coloredlight lighting sources off. However, if a second event (EVT2) isdetected, the processing returns to the initial state 1400, wherein thewhite and colored lighting sources are turned off.

In summary a multi-light lamp assembly is disclosed that provides forthe selected output of light using multiple light emitting sources,wherein the outputted light may be tailored to generate an expectedresponse wavelength by the interaction of the emitted light and a tissueilluminated by the emitted light that allows a practitioner todistinguish between healthy and diseased tissues. Further disclosed is aviewing device, such as an eyewear, that includes a plurality offilters, which selectively prevent the ability to view the lighttransmitted by the light assembly while allowing a desired wavelength oflight to be viewed.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, lighting element 112 mayemit a first light in a UV wavelength band, for example, whereaslighting element 116 may emit a second light in a blue wavelength band,for example. Lenses 644 may be formulated (whether absorptive orreflective) to filter wavelengths in the lower blue wavelength bandwhile allowing wavelengths outside the lower blue wavelength band to beviewable. Accordingly, light generated by an object or tissueilluminated with the first light and/or the second light may be viewablewhile other wavelengths that may be harmful to the practitioner may beprevented from being viewed.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, lighting element 112may emit a first light in a lower range of the blue wavelength band(e.g., 395-415 nm), whereas lighting element 116 may emit a second lightin an upper range of the blue light wavelength band (e.g., 440-495).Lenses 644 may be formulated (whether absorptive or reflective) tofilter wavelengths in associated with the lower range of the bluewavelength band while allowing wavelengths of the upper range of theblue light wavelength range to be viewable. Accordingly, light generatedby an object or tissue illuminated with the first light and/or thesecond light may be viewable while other wavelengths that may be harmfulto the practitioner may be prevented from being viewed.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a visualizationdevice such as that shown in FIG. 8 may comprises an eyewear 640 (shownin FIG. 6 ) comprising two lenses, n and a lighting source 110 (see FIG.1 ) comprising a first lighting source emitting or transmitting a firstexcitation light within a lower blue light wavelength range (for examplein a range of about 400-430 nm) and a second lighting sourcetransmitting or emitting a second excitation light within an upper bluelight wavelength range (e.g., in a range of about 440-470 nm). Inaccordance with this aspect of the invention, the filtering capabilities648 of the carrier lens 644 may be selected to remove (or reduce inmagnitude) the viewing of the first excitation light and allowing orenhancing the viewability of light at a second wavelength.

For example, the filter characteristics 648 of carrier lens 644 may beselected in accordance with the principles of the invention, shown inFIGS. 7C-7G, to block the viewing of wavelengths in an undesiredwavelength range, while allowing passage of other wavelengths.

In addition, each of lenses 644 may include a magnification device 600comprising filters 20, 22 having characteristics similar to those shownin FIGS. 7C-7G, wherein selected wavelength are removed (or reduce inmagnitude) while allowing or enhancing the viewability of light at asecond wavelength, such as a fluorescent wavelength.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, lighting element 112and lighting element 116 each may emit light of a substantially similar(equal) wavelength value, wherein the emitted wavelength is in an upperblue wavelength range (e.g., 460-510). The emitted light wavelengths maybe limited using for example, a short pass filter, as shown in FIG. 7For a bandpass filter as shown in FIG. 7D.

Although, lighting element 114, which has been discussed with regard toemitting preferable a white light, may, similarly, emit light in anupper blue wavelength range.

Lenses 644 may be formulated (whether absorptive or reflective) tofilter wavelengths in the upper blue wavelength range while allowingwavelength outside the upper blue wavelength range to be viewable.

For example, the filter characteristics 648 of carrier lens 644 may beselected in accordance with the principles of the invention, shown inFIGS. 7C-7G, to block the viewing of wavelengths in the emittedwavelength range, while allowing passage of other wavelengths.

In addition, filters 648 associated with carrier lens 644 may beremovably attached to eyewear 640, which that carrier lens 644 aregenerally clear and the addition of removable filters 648 allows for theprevention of harmful light from being viewed.

In addition, each of lenses 644 may include a magnification device 600comprising filters 20, 22 having characteristics similar to those shownin FIGS. 7C-7G, wherein selected wavelengths are removed (or reduced inmagnitude) while allowing or enhancing the viewability of light at asecond wavelength, such as a fluorescent wavelength. In an alternativeconfiguration, the lighting source 925 shown in FIG. 9 , may be combinedwith the viewing device shown in FIG. 6 to create a visualization devicein accordance with the principles of the invention.

In accordance with the principles of the invention, the filtercharacteristics of the filtering system 648 of carrier lens 644 andthose of the filters 20, 22 of magnification devices 600 are selected toprevent the viewability of the first light while allowing theviewability of the second light. For example, a reflection of the firstlight blocked from being viewed while a reflection of the second lightis allowed to be viewed by a user.

In accordance with the principles of the invention, the light generatedby the lighting devices disclosed, herein, may be determined as:

-   -   a. select a first light wavelength, X nm, suitable for causing        the generation of a fluorescent light at wavelength Z;    -   b. if desired, select a transmission filter to limit the light        wavelength range of the first light to a desired wavelength        range, e.g., X+(5-40) nm.    -   c. select a second light wavelength based on the first light        wavelength, for example, as Y=X+(10-90) nm, wherein the second        light wavelength is selected to enhance the viewability of the        generated fluorescent light Z.    -   d, if desired, select a transmission filter to limit the light        wavelength range of the second light to a desired wavelength        range, e.g., Y+(5-40) nm.    -   e. select an emission filter as a long pass filter start point        between first wavelength X and second wavelength Y. Or a notch        filter to block at least wavelength in a range of X−(5-40) nm to        X+(5-40) nm.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention the light generatedby the lighting devices disclosed, herein, may be determined as:

-   -   a. select a first light wavelength, X nm, suitable for causing        the generation of a fluorescent light at wavelength Z;    -   b. if desired, select a transmission filter to limit the light        wavelength range of the first light to a desired wavelength        range, e.g., X+/−50 nm.    -   c. select a second light wavelength and range similar to the        first light, wherein the second light wavelength increases the        intensity of the first light.    -   d. select as an emission filter at least a long pass filter        start point between first wavelength X+10-20 mn and fluorescent        wavelength Z−10 nm.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention the lightgenerated by the lighting devices disclosed, herein, may be determinedas:

-   -   a. select a first light wavelength, X nm, suitable for causing        the generation of a fluorescent light at wavelength Z;    -   b. if desired select a transmission filter to limit the light        wavelength range of the first light by a filter that operates to        limit the output light wavelength to a desired wavelength range,        e.g., X+/−50 nm.    -   c. select a second light wavelength and range similar to the        first light;    -   d. select a third wavelength, e.g., Y=X+(10-90) nm,    -   e. if desired select a transmission filter to limit the light        wavelength range of the third light to a desired wavelength        range, e.g., Y+(5-50) nm.    -   f. select as an emission filter a long pass filter start point        between first wavelength X+(10-20) nm and fluorescent wavelength        Z−10 nm.

Although specific configurations of a user-wearable visualization systemhave been discussed, it would be understood that other combinations ofemitted light and filtered response may be incorporated into thevisualization system disclosed and the examples provided, herein. Forexample, lighting element 114 has been disclosed with regard to emittinga white light, it would be recognized that each of the lighting elements112, 114, 116 may emit light in any of the light wavelength rangesdiscussed above, wherein the lighting elements 112, 114, 116 may emitlight in the same or different light wavelength ranges.

The disclosed embodiments are not the only configurations considered andcontemplated by the inventors.

Although the invention disclosed herein discusses specific wavelengthsthat are produced with currently available LEDs (i.e., non-lasing lightemitting diodes and laser diodes), it would be recognized that thespecific wavelengths as being absorbed and/or reflected may be changedand/or added to without altering the scope of the invention. Inaddition, it would be known in the art that the specific wavelengthsdiscussed, herein, represent a band of wavelengths centered on thewavelength values presented herein to account for divergence of thewavelength generated by the lighting devices during the generation ofthe light and/or the operation of the lighting, wherein the lightgenerated is represented as a nominal value.

The invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments.One of ordinary skill in the art, however, appreciates that variousmodifications and changes can be made without departing from the scopeof the invention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, thespecification is to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather thanwith a restrictive view, and all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the invention.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits,advantages, and solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may causeany benefits, advantages, or solutions to occur or become morepronounced, are not to be construed as a critical, required, or anessential feature or element of any or all of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A user wearable visualization system comprising:a lighting assembly comprising: a plurality of lighting elementsarranged concentrically about a central axis, said central axis beingsubstantially perpendicular to a plane of said plurality of lightingelements, wherein selected ones of said plurality of lighting elementsconcurrently emit a light within a known wavelength band, saidconcurrently emitted light forming an excitation light, said excitationlight causing generation of an emission light; and an eyewearcomprising: a plurality of lenses, each of said plurality of lensescomprising: an emission filter configured to: attenuate light in a firstwavelength band of said excitation light; and allow passage of saidemission light.
 2. The user wearable visualization system of claim 1,wherein said known wavelength band is one of: a substantially samewavelength band and a different wavelength band.
 3. The user wearablevisualization system of claim 1, wherein said known wavelength band isone of: an ultra-violet light wavelength band, a colored lightwavelength band and an Infra-red wavelength band.
 4. The user wearablevisualization system of claim 3, wherein said colored light wavelengthband is at least one of: a violet wavelength band, a blue wavelengthband, a cyan wavelength band, a green wavelength band, a yellowwavelength band, an orange wavelength band, and a red wavelength band.5. The user wearable visualization system of claim 1, wherein at leastone of said selected ones of said plurality of said lighting elementscomprises: a transmission filter, wherein said transmission filter isconfigured to: limit a wavelength range of said light emitted by acorresponding one of said at least one of said plurality of saidselected lighting elements.
 6. The user wearable visualization system ofclaim 5, wherein said transmission filter is one of: a low pass filterpassing light below a first known wavelength value and a bandpass filterpassing light within a known bandpass wavelength.
 7. The user wearablevisualization system of claim 5, wherein said limitation of saidwavelength range is determined based on at least one characteristic ofsaid light emitted by a corresponding one of said selected one of saidplurality of lighting elements.
 8. The user wearable visualizationsystem of claim 5, wherein said limitation of said transmission filterassociated with a first one of said selected one of said plurality ofsaid lighting elements is based on an intensity of said light emitted bya second one of said selected one of said plurality of lightingelements.
 9. The user wearable visualization system of claim 1, whereinsaid emission filter is one of: a long pass filter passing light above asecond known wavelength value and a notch filter passing light outside aknown wavelength band.
 10. The user wearable visualization system ofclaim 9, wherein said second wavelength value is based on a wavelengthof said light emitted by said selected ones of said plurality oflighting elements and a wavelength value of said emission light.
 11. Theuser wearable visualization system of claim 1, wherein said plurality oflighting elements comprises: a lighting source configured to: emit alight within a white light wavelength band.
 12. The user wearablevisualization system of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality oflenses comprises: a magnification device.
 13. The user wearablevisualization system of claim 12, wherein each of said magnificationdevices comprises: a magnification device emission filter, wherein saidmagnification device emission filter is one of: a long pass filterpassing light above a known wavelength value and a notch filter passinglight outside a known wavelength band.
 14. The user wearablevisualization system of claim 1, wherein said emission filter isremovably attached to said eyewear.
 15. The user wearable visualizationsystem of claim 1, wherein an intensity of said light emitted by a firstone of said selected ones of said lighting elements is greater than anintensity of said light emitted by a second one of said selected ones ofsaid lighting elements.
 16. The user wearable visualization system ofclaim 1, wherein said excitation light comprises: a first wavelengthemitted within a lower range of a blue wavelength band; and a secondwavelength emitted in an upper range of said blue wavelength band.